Ideas that change the world
Through our global network of researchers and innovators, our AI research is creating real-world impact for people, communities and the planet.
From advancing breast cancer treatment and improving menopause care in Greater Manchester to transforming crop productivity in Ghana and tackling online misogyny, we're using AI to deliver positive change for society and the environment.
Interdisciplinary by design
Research thrives within a dynamic, interconnected and cross-disciplinary ecosystem and our scale is our strength. Digital Futures – one of the University’s five research Platforms – brings together researchers from across the institution and empowers them to accelerate discovery and deliver impact. Organised into interdisciplinary research Institutes and Centres that are supported by cutting-edge facilities we allow ideas flourish and solutions to scale.
Our strengths include:
Advanced Computing Infrastructure
Including state-of-the art Graphic Processing Unit, ensuring we offer one of the most supportive research environments for AI.
ARM Centre of Excellence
A Centre focussing on the full spectrum of modern processor technologies.
Centre for AI and Decision Science
Bringing together interdisciplinary expertise to shape the future of data-driven and responsible decision-making.
Centre for AI Fundamentals
Uniting research talent to develop pioneering AI solutions that drive competitive advantage.
Centre for Doctoral Training
Building the skills and talent needed to drive the AI revolution.
Centre for Digital Trust and Society
A focal point for research that explores aspects of trust and security in our digital world.
Centre for Robotics and AI
Developing and applying novel AI approaches in the design of robots and autonomous systems for real world applications.
Christabel Pankhurst Institute for Health Technology Research and Innovation
Driving needs-led health technology research and innovation and providing end-to-end support for translation into practice.
Digital Futures Platform
A pan-University network of 2,000+ researchers across 30 disciplines, fostering collaboration and sparking cross-pollination of ideas.
ELLIS Unit Manchester
One of only four UK units, strengthening Europe’s leadership and sovereignty in AI research.
Manchester-Melbourne-Toronto International Centre for Translational Digital Health
Advancing digital health in Canada, the UK and Australia through new technologies, policies and service models.
National Centre for Text Mining
NaCTeM provides text mining services to support academic research.
Turing Innovation Catalyst
Driving Greater Manchester’s AI ecosystem by supporting existing start-ups, creating new ventures, and developing skills across the region.
Meet some of our early career academics shaping the future of AI
Dr Hongpeng Zhou
How can we trust AI to help treat cancer if doctors don’t understand how it works?’ I develop transparent algorithms that explain how AI makes its predictions – giving clinicians the clarity to design treatment with confidence.
Dr Claudia Lindner
My research group develops AI-driven software tools that support clinicians in making more accurate and timely decisions from medical images, such as X-rays. Our work aims to improve patient care for people with bone and joint conditions by enabling earlier diagnosis, more informed treatment planning and monitoring, and advancing research into musculoskeletal health.
Dr Rahul Singh Maharajan
We don’t want cold, emotionless robots like in Terminator, do we? My work helps create social robots that understand and learn from human emotions – so they can interact naturally and offer real support in sensitive settings like elderly care, where empathy truly matters.
Dr Elizabeth Lewis
I use integrated water modelling, including a combination of AI and digital technology innovation, to tackle urgent water challenges like floods, droughts, and climate change.
Integrated water modelling sits at the cutting edge of climate resilience and enables us to tackle urgent, interconnected water challenges – driving smarter, system-wide environmental and infrastructure decisions.
Dr João C. Magalhães
What if AI doesn’t fix inequality but makes it worse? To ensure AI helps rather than harms society, my research asks, who really benefits from AI? By understanding the political forces shaping its design and use, I work to ensure these technologies serve society fairly, not just the powerful few.
My research explores the many ways AI and politics are connected, with a focus on questioning who benefits from these technologies. I take a critical approach, asking whose interests shape how AI systems are designed and used.
Manchester AI experts
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